Charter Schools Boost Hispanic Student Performance

(This article was originally published by The LIBRE Institute)

When Hispanic families are empowered to choose the best education for their children, their children succeed. In this chart from the LIBRE Institute, we analyzed the increase in the number of students meeting academic standards in charter schools compared to public schools in communities across the US. Using data from a national study of student achievement in charter schools from Harvard University and the National Bureau of Economic Research, we find that students are more likely to be proficient (passing state standardized tests) in reading and mathematics at charter schools than comparable public schools. 

The most dramatic difference is among charter school students in Hispanic communities, who receive the greatest advantage of any group. When charter schools are located in Hispanic communities (with a share of Hispanic students in the top quartile), 7.6% more students meet state standards in reading, and 4.1% more meet standards in mathematics. When these charter schools are located in African-American communities, the difference in number of students meeting standards in reading and mathematics is even greater; at 4.5% and 2.6% respectively. In charter schools located in all other communities, 4.5% more students meet reading proficiency standards, and 2.1% more meet mathematics proficiency standards. This data reinforces the conclusion that educational choice is a tool for empowerment in the Hispanic community, with improved outcomes for students of all races. 

(Source: Hoxby, C. M. (2004). Achievement in charter schools and regular public schools in the United States: Understanding the differences. Cambridge, MA: Department of Economics, Harvard University.)